Forest Press introduced block machine PM12 that can produce all kinds of solid blocks in the locking pavers. The company offered batching and mixing plant complete automated handing system at bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2018, according to Manoj Kumar, Managing Director, Forest Press Machineries Pvt Ltd.

Brief us about your offerings at the expo.
We launched PM12 which is the biggest block machine ever made out of India that can be called as a universal multi-layer machine. Besides, the company has offered complete solution including batching and mixing plant complete automated handing system. We are using the latest components, technology from OEM players like Siemens, SEW-EURODRIVE, Blocher Partners, Parker and IFM, in the machine.

In pavers, the machine is able to do multi-coloured paving stones and automated paving stones. We can produce any kind of products available globally. This is completely automated where 24/7 service is available from Bangalore, and software is done with Siemens PLC with S7 1500. Operationally, the machine is more customer-friendly.

How can pavers become the most commonly used solutions in Indian urban infrastructure?
Paver is cost-effective, easy to install, and is also reusable. However, this is not available with any other kind of construction like bitumen, or normal concrete, or paving stone since paver has lesser thickness.

How can you make pavers and other products more cost effective?
In any industry, cement is the second most expensive. Basically, we are able to reduce the cement conduction, so that is where the advantage is used with less cement content and more strength out of it at a higher density.

What are the major challenges that existing players are facing currently?
At the moment, India’s financial situation is the biggest trouble. Apart from that, there is no issue – both technically and company wise. Earlier, there was some trouble from Chinese players which now seem to be ironing out on the back of government’s step to put anti-dumping duty helping Indian manufacturers. On the other hand, the economic situation, or cash in the market needs to improve.

Have you taken any initiatives to partner with ‘Make in India’?
We have not yet taken any steps towards ‘Make in India’ but would like to. Still, there is lack of education and awareness regarding the same. Also, till now, we have only seen the hoardings of ‘Make in India’ coming out from the government, but from the bureaucracy’s side, they are still standing their ground.

Industrialists needs to be made more aware about the approvals, procedures and the kind of benefits they will get. Everybody is talking about ‘Make in India’, Start-Up India, skill India, but in practical terms, it’s not working the way it should.

What is your outlook for this year?
Performance wise, machines used in road and infrastructure construction are moving well. Besides India, we are able to export now to Iran are also able to collect payment in local currencies, which is good as the dependency on dollar has reduced. Some volatility is expected due to elections slated this year. From third quarter, there will be some improvement in the market after elections.

Machines used in projects like road and infrastructure are moving well.
Manoj Kumar,
Managing Director, Forest Press Machineries Pvt Ltd